It's easy to treat common childhood sneezes and wheezes. However, persistent ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues can quietly interfere with everything from speech development to sleep quality. Pediatricians are often the first point of contact, but ENT specialists offer a different set of tools and care.
Katie Heitmann, FNP-C, is the nurse practitioner and seasoned ENT professional at Bailey ENT, located in Downtown Kirkwood. She offers insights for parents regarding when it's time to seek help from a specialist.
Q: What are the most common ENT issues you see in kids and families?
A: We see a lot of seasonal allergies, ear infections, strep throat, and enlarged tonsils. Sleep difficulties—especially snoring due to large adenoids or tonsils—are common in children.
Q: When should a parent consider seeing an ENT? Is a referral necessary?
A: While we do receive many referrals from pediatricians, parents can come to us directly. We encourage parents to consider the quality of life for their child and never hesitate to call us. For instance, chronic ear fluid can delay speech development. If your child has recurrent infections, ongoing snoring, or any issues with speech or sleep, it's worth reaching out.
Q: What other symptoms should raise red flags?
A: Recurrent runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes, or signs of allergies that go beyond the typical seasonal cold. Allergies can affect the ears and sinuses and even cause chronic infections. We offer an allergy treatment program for children as young as ten, including immunotherapy. Knowing what you're allergic to—even if you don't pursue shots—can help manage symptoms.
Q: Can ear infections be prevented?
A: In many cases, yes. One of the most effective ways to prevent ear infections is good allergy management. Helping young kids blow their noses or using bulb suction if they're little is essential to keep the nasal passages clear so the fluid doesn't lead to a secondary infection. A humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom can help thin out mucus.
Q: Is snooring a concern in kids?
A: Snoring alone isn't necessarily a problem, but if a parent notices their child pausing or gasping in their sleep (apnea), that's more serious. This can be a sign of enlarged adenoids or tonsils and is something we should evaluate.
Q: What about nosebleeds?
A: An occasional nosebleed from a bump or dry air is normal. However, if a child experiences several nosebleeds a month consistently, that should be checked. A humidifier in the bedroom and applying a nasal saline gel, or even a bit of Aquaphor, just inside the nostrils, can help.
Q: Do you treat foreign objects in the ears or nose?
A: Absolutely. Whether it's a bead in the ear or a pea up the nose, we're well-equipped to safely remove foreign objects.
Q: Do you have any hearing advice for tweens and teens?
A: Hearing loss from noise exposure is real. We recommend wearing ear protection during loud activities, such as attending concerts, mowing the lawn, and even using a hair dryer. If you can't talk over the noise, wear earplugs. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to memory decline and dementia, so it's worth getting tested, even if it's "not that bad."
Q: What are some lesser-known ENT issues in adults?
A: Adults should seek immediate help if they experience sudden hearing loss. Damage to the inner ear or nerve cells is something that can be treated, especially if caught early. We see several women with thyroid nodules or enlarged thyroids, sometimes even thyroid cancer. It's essential to consult with your primary care doctor and follow up with us if anything seems amiss. Tonsil stones, bad breath, or recurring strep are also reasons to come in.
Q: One last question—where do you stand on Q-tips?
A: No Q-tips! We always say that nothing smaller than your elbow should go in your ear. Q-tips often push wax deeper into the ear or leave behind fibers that can irritate the ear canal. Trust us—we stay in business because people keep using them.
Get to know Katie.
Katie's father is an Army veteran, internationally known neurotologist, and researcher. Katie is grateful to be following in his specialty. Katie is passionate about caring for the whole person, especially those with fewer resources and greater vulnerabilities. She was part of a health coalition that developed a pediatric medical home for individuals from diverse economic backgrounds while living in Oklahoma. She looks forward to taking more overseas trips to utilize her skills in teaching and providing care. She enjoys walking, crafting, and not cooking, as well as spending time with her family and friends and exploring all the fun things St. Louis has to offer. She has two wonderfully talented and kind children (ages 4 and 10), and her husband, Todd, is the Lead Analytics Engineer in Baseball Development for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Katie's favorite aspect of being part of Dr. Bailey's ENT team is the genuine camaraderie and collaboration among the team. She is so grateful to be a part of Bailey ENT. Fun facts about Katie: She was born in Hawaii, and there is no vegetable she does not like.
Schedule an appointment with Katie or Dr. Bailey at 314-970-2770.